A SUBSTITUTE BRIDE

As Thomas was puzzled, his phone rang again. The caller’s number was

“Vincent”

He hastened to pick up the telephone and greeted respectfully,

– Master?

– Have you made a reservation at the restaurant, and prepared the cake?

Vincent asked coldly.

Hearing Vincent’s words, Thomas heaved a sigh of relief and hastened to reply:

– I’ve already done it.

As soon as he finished speaking, the call tone started playing again.

Only then did he put his phone back on the table and heaved a sigh of relief.

He found the second young master a little strange today. He actually wanted to celebrate the birthday of the second young Lady.

The second young master really had the second young woman in his heart!

…

At the Royer family villa.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Matriarch Sanchez drove Lyana to the Royer residence.

Matriarch Royer was already standing in the yard to welcome them. When she saw Matriarch Sanchez and Lyana, the coldness and sternness of her expression dissipated significantly, and she seemed much softer.

Alexia had accompanied Matriarch Royer all this time. When she saw Lyana, a polite smile appeared on her face.

The two eldest met and greeted each other, then entered the house supporting each other. They were both in good spirits.

Lyana and Alexia walked behind.

– Lyana, I didn’t expect you to be Brother Vincent’s wife.

Alexia turned to look at Lyana, surprise written on her face.

– Yup.

Lyana nodded. Grandma had brought her here this time to get to know more people in this circle.

Alexia was still very surprised. Dumbfounded, she said:

– You didn’t even talk to each other during the speech ceremony. If Brother hadn’t told me afterwards…

– Alex

A cold voice interrupted Alexia severely.

Lyana looked over and saw William standing nearby in a black suit. Even though he wore glasses, he couldn’t hide the dark circles under his eyes. It was obvious he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep the past few days.

– Mrs. Sanchez.

William politely approached Matriarch Sanchez.

She smiled and said,

– Where are your parents?

– They’ve already gone abroad, William said in a low voice.

He knew in his heart that his parents couldn’t cope with his sister’s death, so whenever the anniversary of his sister’s death approached, they left An City. It was as if they could keep his sister alive in their hearts by doing this.

– Let’s enter

says Matriarch Royer.

The Royer family villa was completely different from that of the Sanchez family. The antique looking furniture gave the impression of having traveled to ancient times.

The scent of Longjing tea filled the whole room. Matriarch Royer invited everyone to sit down, then asked the servants to bring fruit and snacks.

Smiling, Matriarch Sanchez glanced at Lyana. She then handed the wooden box to Matriarch Sanchez. Pulling the blessing bag out of the box, Matriarch Sanchez handed it to Matriarch Royer. She said softly,

– This is the blessing bag my granddaughter made for your precious granddaughter. He was prayed in front of the Buddha for a long time. Every day she only works on it after taking a bath. I hope your granddaughter doesn’t mind Lyana’s hands being clumsy.

Matriarch Royer had already been very grateful to Lyana. Glancing at the blessing bag, she forced a smile and congratulated herself:

– You’re really clever.

As she spoke, she couldn’t help but look at Lyana again. She continued:

– Very few people know how to embroider these days.

Alexia moved closer to Matriarch Royer, peering intently at the bag of blessings. She sighed.

– This blessing bag is so beautiful. I think my Sister will like it very much!

Alexia spoke with a sincere expression. She had no intention of flattering her at all!

When Lyana heard Alexia’s words, she couldn’t help but smile. Every time she looked at Alexia, she felt a great sense of comfort.

– In that case, I’ll make you a soothing pouch in the future. You can put it near your bed. It will be good for your sleep.

Without bothering with conventional civilities, she said happily:

– Okay.

When Matriarch Royer heard Alexia’s response, she was slightly stunned. You had to know that she only dispensed with civilities when she spoke to those close to her. It seemed that Alexia and Lyana were very close.

Matriarch Royer recalled how she met Lyana at the temple. Her expression softened and she said quietly:

“Young Lyana, if you hadn’t called me back last time, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have been able to host my eldest granddaughter’s birthday banquet this time around. You probably would have attended my funeral instead!

Matriarch Royer coughed. Thinking about the results of the exam, she sighed slightly and continued:

– Thank you for making such a beautiful blessing bag for my poor eldest granddaughter. To express our gratitude, we would like to invite you to have a meal with us today.

– Okay, thank you, Mrs. Royer.

Lyana nodded.

After that, the group arrived at the ancestral hall of the Royer family. This place was dedicated to the ancestors of the family. Incense burned in the ancestral hall, indicating that the Royer family’s incense offerings would continue indefinitely into the future.

All Royer family members offered incense one by one. Next, Matriarch Sanchez and Lyana offered incense to the ancestors of the Royer family.

After offering incense, Matriarch Royer led everyone into the small courtyard next to the ancestral hall.

This small yard was filled with all kinds of plants and flowers, as well as many toys. Lyana didn’t think this place looked like the mourning room of the precious daughter of the Royer family. On the contrary, it looked more like an often inhabited place.

Everyone entered the room, which was very warmly furnished. At first glance, you could tell it was a style that would appeal to young girls.

There were also many framed photographs hanging at the entrance. The same baby was depicted on each of them.

The baby’s cheeks were puffy and he looked extremely adorable. Her little mouth was slightly curved and she was smiling with all her teeth.

Looking at the photos of this child, Lyana couldn’t help but take a step forward and pinch her baby face.

However, she only saw pictures.

She couldn’t help but sigh. The eldest daughter of the Royer family was really unhappy. She had died at such a young age.

Lyana’s gaze inadvertently landed on the entrance. She saw William looking out with his back to the room. For some reason, she felt her back looked a little lonely.

It seemed like he really cared about his sister. That’s why he had such a strong reaction!

Lyana followed everyone inside. The girl’s room looked like a castle in a fairy tale.

The room was filled with clothes for a young woman of all ages.

Seeing this, Lyana was a little moved. She envied the eldest daughter of the Royer family.

The eldest daughter of the Royer family had passed away so many years ago, but the family had still created a dream world for her. It was as if they wanted her to live in this yard and this house forever.

It was a kind of kinship she had never known before.

Matriarch Sanchez glanced at the bed and turned her head, saying,

– William didn’t follow us? I wanted him to attach the blessing bag here.

Matriarch Royer took Matriarch Sanchez’s blessing bag. Her eyes misted as she said in a strangled voice:

– He… he still hasn’t forgiven himself.

When Lyana heard Matriarch Royer’s words, she had a vague feeling that the death of the eldest daughter of the Royer family had something to do with William.

– This child…

Matriarch Sanchez sighed and said helplessly:

– At the time, he took the girl with him. She got lost by accident. Can’t blame him for that.

– But he refused to forgive himself. All these years, he has never set foot in this room.

Matriarch Royer sighed.

When Alex heard this, his eyes turned red. She said softly

– I don’t think my Sister would like Brother to continue blaming himself.

Matriarch Royer hung the blessing bag next to the urn by the bed. Only then did she straighten up, put her hands together and say a soft prayer.

After opening her eyes, she touched the urn with sadness. There was sorrow in his eyes.

Matriarch Sanchez and Lyana stood where they were to offer incense and pray for the eldest daughter of the Royer family.

Matriarch Royer wiped away her tears, then reluctantly left.

Alexia felt bad too. Although she never met her older sister, growing up she felt worse and worse when she saw how much her family had done for her sister.

When they came out, Matriarch Sanchez realized that Matriarch Royer didn’t look good. She comforted him for a moment before suggesting that they take their leave.